Interview
Border News Agency
Kyauktaw, July 5.
Locals say that commodity prices are rising because the roads used to transport goods into the Arakan region have been severely damaged.
Merchants explain that delivery trucks are being delayed or stuck due to the poor road conditions, and increased travel expenses are pushing up the cost of goods.
In response to the situation, Border News Agency interviewed a merchant from Kyauktaw Township.
“If we really want to trade, we have to bring the goods by truck. It costs over ten million kyats per truck. On top of that, the travel expenses are extremely high. I’ve heard there are over a hundred trucks stuck over there,” the merchant said.
“I still have goods left on the other side. They haven’t made it here yet. When people say the goods have arrived, it might just be small vehicles bringing limited items. Because of the high transport and travel costs, prices are likely to continue rising.”
“Right now, it’s just a small increase. But once the goods arrive from the other side, prices will definitely go up. Also, the route from the Indian side has become more difficult. People are saying the value of the Indian rupee has also risen. Prices are going to rise there’s nothing that won’t get more expensive,” the merchant said.
